The Christchurch City Mission was launched in 1929 when a few caring volunteers handed bowls of stew to unemployed men at the beginning of the Great Depression. Now we are a social service agency that positively impacts on the lives of 60,000 people a year through our wide range of services. The Mission helps anyone who needs it regardless of their circumstances. We take on the hardest cases with love and optimism. While our emergency care is vital we also provide much more than that. Through education and training we help struggling people re-join society and gain the self-esteem and happiness that comes from work, independence and permanent housing. We have seen people’s lives transform with our support and believe everyone should have the opportunity of a second chance.